New York's decision to legalize 'gay marriage' may act as roadmap for other states

Washington, June 26 (ANI): New York's move to legalize gay marriage provides a roadmap for similar victory for groups in other states, a spokesman for the Human Rights Campaign has said. "From a public education perspective, New York is tremendously important," Politico quoted Michael Cole-Schwartz, as saying. "It was a wonderful model of both leadership from statewide officials and the business community," said Cole-Schwartz. "Governor Andrew Cuomo certainly deserves the lion's share, but the way the LGBT advocates and groups put together a solid campaign and put together a bipartisan message was really a model we can use elsewhere," he added.ole-Schwartz said enlisting the business community as well as Republicans in the effort was crucial to the outcome. "It was business leaders in New York who were strong members of the coalition who helped the Republican members," he said. "And we did our New Yorkers for Marriage Equality campaign, which highlighted people like Barbara Bush, the former president's daughter, pointing out that the younger generation of Republicans is much more supportive of this issue," said Cole-Schwartz. "The future of the Republican Party is going to depend on not using this as a wedge. It's important to note that this is the first time a marriage bill has passed legislatively thru a Republican-controlled chamber," he added. Maryland and Rhode Island, where same-sex marriage supporters fought losing battles this year, are each certain to see a renewed push in the 2012 legislative sessions. "The more that other states recognize the fairness and the importance of passing equal marriage rights, the more likely it is to pass here," said Patrick Wojahn, the chairman of the board of the Equality Maryland Foundation, "It's a matter of it becoming a normal thing. People see it and realize the sky isn't about to fall," Wojahn added. (ANI)